VICTORIA – New Democrat MLAs Grace Lore and Lana Popham say that new funding for equipment and training will help local volunteer and part-volunteer fire departments to continue keeping Greater Victoria safe during fires and other emergencies.

“It is crucial to support volunteer and cooperative fire departments who work hard to keep our community safe,” said MLA Grace Lore, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill. “This funding will help our local fire departments prepare for and respond to disasters and emergencies.”

The following fire departments are receiving funding in Greater Victoria:

• Capital Regional District – $178,598.50 for a fire department training and equipment project.
• Central Saanich – $12,500 for a forcible entry door trainer.

“People in our communities depend on fire departments with volunteer or part-volunteer fire crews to keep them and their families safe,” said MLA Lana Popham, MLA for Saanich South. “This funding will support essential training and make sure that our brave volunteers and staff are well equipped.”

This funding is part of $6.3 million that is being distributed to 114 local governments, First Nations, and volunteer and part-volunteer fire departments around the province.

Since 2017, First Nations and local governments have been approved for more than $111 million through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund for more than 1,300 projects that help communities mitigate and prepare for disasters and climate-related emergencies.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023EMCR0010-000200